WESTERN CAPE SCHOOLS HIT BY SHARP RISE IN BURGLARIES AND VANDALISM

Tue 04 February 2025:

Electrical fixtures, appliances, food for learners, bathroom fittings, fencing, windows, and security equipment were stolen or damaged at schools in the Western Cape over the summer holidays.

Despite increased security measures at 480 schools this year, the Western Cape Government reported a concerning rise in burglary and vandalism. Forty-seven incidents were recorded at 34 schools, a sharp increase from the 26 incidents at 24 schools during the same period last year.

While some incidents caused minor damage, the broader impact on schools has been severe. These crimes take resources away from teaching and learning, forcing schools to spend valuable time and money on repairs and replacements instead.

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“It is disappointing that our schools will once again have to allocate time and resources to cover these losses. Our schools are precious community resources, and they must be protected and cared for by all of us,” the Western Cape Education Department said.

The Western Cape Government is urging communities to assist in safeguarding schools by staying alert and reporting any suspicious activity near school premises to the South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline at 0800 45 46 47.

The public is encouraged to share information about these crimes, no matter how small, as it could prove vital in recovering stolen property and holding criminals accountable. Swift action can help prevent further incidents and protect these essential institutions.

“If you have any information, no matter how small, about the incidents that occurred over the holiday, please do not hesitate to inform the SAPS. What might seem insignificant information may turn out to be the missing piece of the puzzle that they need to apprehend the criminals and recover our schools’ property!”

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here